Coalition commits $500,000 towards construction of seniors’ centre for South West Rocks

August 16, 2010

An elected Coalition Government will commit $500,000 towards the construction of Senior Citizen’s Centre in South West Rocks, Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker announced today.

The Coalition election commitment was made by Shadow Minister for Ageing Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells during a visit to the town. Senator Fierravanti-Wells and Mr Hartsuyker met with members of the South West Rocks Senior Citizen’s Association at the South West Rocks Country Club. Mr Hartsuyker said the South West Rocks seniors group was one of the most active on the north coast.

“With more than 400 members, the South West Rocks Senior Citizen’s Association deserve to have their own purpose built facility,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “Presently they use the School of Arts Hall but the hall is used by other organisations and that can make it difficult for the seniors’ association to host their activities.

“This proposed centre would include a kitchen, office, storage rooms and a large activity area where they can host exercise classes, carpet bowls and their regular social activities. The Federal Coalition funding commitment will be invested in the construction of this facility. Around 58 per cent of residents in South West Rocks and the surrounding community are over the age of 55. The area is very attractive to retirees so the demand for a seniors’ centre will only grow.”

Senator Fierravanti-Wells said the construction on a seniors’ centre would represent an additional investment in infrastructure and services in the town.

“The Coalition understands the importance of delivering improved services and infrastructure for seniors,” the Senator said. “When the Coalition was in government, Luke Hartsuyker secured an allocation of 80 aged care beds which led to the construction of the South West Rocks aged care facility. The aged care facility is a tremendous asset to the community and a new senior’s centre for the town would be another vital piece of infrastructure for local seniors.”

Mr Hartsuyker said the South West Rocks Senior Citizen’s Association was in ongoing negotiations with both the Kempsey Shire Council and the New South Wales Government to address planning issues. “It is important all three levels of government support this project and I know State Member Andrew Stoner and Kempsey Mayor John Bowell are right behind a seniors’ centre for South West Rocks.”

During her visit to South West Rocks, Senator Fierravanti-Wells also visited the South West Rocks aged care facility.